Pizzeria Omaggio

Review! Charlotte, North Carolina // Italian restaurant // authentic deliciousness

the ELEVATOR PITCH

In the Charlotte family of Italian restaurants, Pizzeria Omaggio is the middle child that everyone kind of forgot about. You hear about people raving about the chic made-from-scratch pasta places like Flour Shop and Ever Andalo, or the fancy upscale vibes of Angeline’s and Aqua e Vino, or even the more casual chains like Portofino’s and Maggiano’s, who just get the job done. But what about Pizzeria Omaggio? Not a peep. (Google’s search results even have them at the bottom of the list when you look for “Italian restaurants in Charlotte”…)

So let’s give him some lovin’! There’s a third place niche that Omaggio fills perfectly: when you’re looking for quality Italian food, but also an atmosphere that balances you-gotta-pull-out-floor-length-gowns-and-be-celebrating-a-very-very-special-occasion attire with all-the-patrons-look-like-they’re-in-their-pajamas casual wear, he’s your guy. He’s a young and hip Roman who’s cultivated an intimate (you can take in the whole restaurant in one visual pan) and welcoming dining space that’s easy on the eyes.

back counter with some pantry goodies

What’s also cool is, Omaggio’s menu seems to span everything you could possibly think of when you think “Italian.” From the classic meatball appetizer, to a variety of pasta dishes, to made-from-scratch wood-fired, Roman-style pizzas, they have worked hard to make sure every member of your meal party can enjoy their favorites! (like, they even have calzones, something I’ve only really seen on the menus of fast food pizza chains like Papa John’s and Hungry Howie’s 😮 sign me up for a gourmet calzone, plz!)

But it’s the service staff that bring 👏 it 👏home👏

I found myself at Omaggio’s for the first time to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and our server, Tuba, made me feel instantly comfortable. You know those first-time-at-a-restaurant nerves? I totally had them, and she totally assuaged them. Tuba knew the menu inside and out, had very in-depth recommendations, and carried the most down-to-earth countenance. She instantly earned my trust!

It was through her that we learned more about how Omaggio’s owner, Daniel Siragusa, aims to serve up authentic Italian in each piece of their menu to sing an ode to his Italian roots. That’s why when you take a bite, you’ll realize the menu items aren’t your typical—we were blown away by the white-sauce Rigatoni Boscaiola and the no-sauce pizza, Di Parma, none of which I’ve had like anywhere else in Charlotte.

When you go over to Omaggio’s for a meal, you will be embraced like family. The space is quaint, the heart is big, and I love that all ages are welcome to experience the gastronomic creations! Through Pizzeria Omaggio, we can experience a little bit of Rome without worrying about a passport and an 11½ hour flight.

Now onto a couple of the menu offerings…

Reviews on the munchies pictured above:

House Bread: the initial impression wasn’t high for me (I mean, it looks like burnt toast), but the actual bread had a great crisp bite and soft interior. Great with butter or wiping up saucy pasta bowls (rating: 6.5/10)

Rigatoni Boscaiola: when you taste this, you’ll find yourself wondering, how does a seemingly simplistic creamy white sauce taste so GOOD? Flavorful and light in body; at first you may feel like there’s not enough sauce, but it’s actually the perfect amount for you to not feel too heavy after enjoying the dish. The bacon & peas also really added to the overall experience. Only con: the rigatoni is not house made. (rating: 9/10)

Reviews on the munchies pictured above:

Prosciutto Funghi: lots of mushrooms peppered the pizza yet still could’ve used more mushroom flavor? The prosciutto felt like the main event, and would love some more umami. (rating: 7/10)

Trio: does it get any better? Omaggio elevated the classic pepperoni pizza with fresh basil and the whole-milk mozzarella. Everything on this ‘za was doing work and doing it well. (rating: 10/10)

Di Parma: never had a no-sauce pizza before this one, and it knocked my socks off! Had open-face sandwich vibes, but in the best way? Like the Trio, each ingredient was crucial to the overall taste, and wouldn’t have had it any other way. (rating: 9/10)

Reviews on the munchies pictured above:

Tiramisu: classic in all the best ways; would’ve preferred more cream between the two layers of lady fingers to increase cohesion, but the soaked-coffee flavor is strong (perhaps that’s why it was “wetter” than other tiramisus I’ve had?). My friend said it paired so well with her espresso! The tiramisu completely took the espresso bitterness away. (rating: 8.5/10)

Ricotta Cake: The flavor was accurate, but we expected a cheesecake texture of smooth, velvet-y creaminess, but instead were met with a texture resembling that of kinetic sand, or firm tofu that’s been crumbled, and all of that not in the best way. Maybe an off day? (rating: 3.5/10)

classic moment of carnage captured

the RÉSUMÉ

address // 1055 Metropolitan Ave #130, Charlotte, NC 28204

operations // Monday - Thursday, 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM; Friday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM

logistics // park in the Target garage across the street or the Trader Joe’s garage right behind. Or if you’re lucky, there may be a street spot available for you right in front of the restaurant!

amenities // they sell shelf stable pantry goods too!

⭐ they treated our friend to a free dessert in honor of her birthday 🥹

vibes // upscale yet kid-friendly; wear anything from jeans to your Sunday-best!

menu //

• beverages ($3.00 - $13.00): espresso, beer, wine, sodas, digestivi, coffee cocktails & regular cocktails

• antipasti / small plates ($7.00 - $10.00): meatballs, bruschetta, eggplant tower, burrata, homemade soups, etc.

• entrées ($10.00 - $21.00): salads, sandwiches, various pasta options; calzones & specialty pizzas!

  ⭐gluten-free/whole-wheat dough available for +$2.00

  ⭐vegetarian & vegan pizza options available

• desserts ($7.00 - $11.00): tiramisu, cannoli, pistachio semifreddo, affogato, ricotta cake, gelato/sorbet

  ⭐all desserts outside of gelato/sorbet are house made

recs //

• mind blowing dishes you can’t get anywhere else: the Trio & Di Parma pizzas, & the Rigatoni Boscaiola (was not heavy at all for a flavorful & fatty white sauce pasta dish)

• pairing your tiramisu order with an espresso is crème de la crème

site // Pizzeria Omaggio

~ cath!!